I'm living in a neighborhood where homes are really close together, and my neighbor has been planting whatever he likes without much thought for the rest of us. I recently discovered that Chinese privet, which I've heard can be invasive, has taken over our shared side of the property. I have a lot of native plants, and I'm concerned about the privet invading my space. We're friendly with each other, but I also know we have very different political views, and I don't want to start any drama. How should I approach the situation with him? Also, is privet really that bad, and can he just keep it on his side?
3 Answers
It's definitely invasive and can really disrupt local ecosystems. Approach him politely; let him know you’d love to plant some of your own things, but you're worried the privet will choke them out. Frame it in a way that makes him feel like he’s doing you a favor.
You might want to see if the boundary between your properties is clearly defined. I'd suggest talking to him about keeping it off your side—maybe even putting up something temporary like decorative fencing or stakes with twine for a visual boundary. It gives a clear indication without escalating things.
If you're in an HOA, check if there are rules about invasive plants. If not, just mention that the privet is causing issues and blocking light—it might help to bring it up gently, so he sees it from your perspective. Just keep in mind that while he might get defensive, if you frame it positively, he might be more receptive.